Frankie’ s Italian Kitchen 505 Sterling Lyon Pkwy, 204-410- 4980. Hailing from the west, this stylish outpost serves the kind of food that brings big Italian families together. Sicilian breaded arancini is divine. WA, LP, SP, IA, M, V Mona Lisa 1697 Corydon Ave, 204-488‐3687. The cuisine of the Grande family’ s southern Italy home has been offered for more than 30 years at this casual neighbourhood restaurant.
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Monticchio 684 Osborne St, 204-477‐4773. This South Osborne mainstay serves traditional recipes in a contemporary space. Try signature breaded veal topped with kalamata olives and provolone cheese for a decadent dining experience. WA, LP, A, IA, M, V Pasquale’ s 109 Marion St, 204‐231‐1403. This longstanding destination treats all as family. Classic pastas, red sauces and old-fashioned recipes keep diners raving, as well as old-style desserts. The rooftop patio is a summer hotspot. WA, LP, SP, A, IA, M, V Santa Lucia 4 St Mary’ s Rd, 204-237-4134. Generous portions and affordable dishes secure the popularity of this family destination. Greek and Italian classics are draws. WA, LP, SP, A, IA, M, V Tre Visi Café 926 Grosvenor Ave, 204‐475‐4447. Chef / owner Heather carries the legacy of this sophisticated bistro. Italian-Mediterranean cuisine includes one of the city’ s most sumptuous gnocchi. WA, LP, A, IA, M, V Vera Pizzeria 670 Osborne St, 204‐222‐6306. 20-seat South Osborne space with a simple menu of Neapolitan-style pizza. Features clean preparation of high-quality ingredients. Housemade crust is superb. LP, IA, M, V
ITALIAN /
CONTEMPORARY
Bellissimo 1‐877 Waverley St, 204-489‐0495. This surprisingly sophisticated neighbourhood spot offers sublime fare, like the spinach agnolotti stuffed with mascarpone and spiced squash. WA, LP, SP, A, IA, M, V Café Carlo 243 Lilac St, 204-477‐5544. This cozy, chic and consistent bistro serves dishes spiked with equatorial tastes and textures. Those in the know come for stellar beef tenderloin.
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Cibo Waterfront Café 339 Waterfront Dr, 204‐594‐0339. Renovated heritage space boasts one of the best views in the city. Arancini in a fragrant tomato sauce is stand out. LP, SP, A, IA, M, V bestlist
Harth 1-980 St Anne’ s Rd, 204-255-0003. South suburban locale draws with its stunning tapas-style menu designed by chef Brent Genyk. Italian delicacies like house-made pasta are stand-outs. WA, LP, IA, M, V Nicolino’ s 4‐2077 Pembina Hwy, 204-269‐5004. Owner Nick Zifarelli oversees a menu of rustic Italian classics and housemade pasta that keeps diners loyal. WA, LP, SP, A, IA, M, V Parcel Pizza 221-A Stradbrook Ave, 204-421-6711. Stylish art-deco inspired restaurant serves gourmet pizza on New York-style crust. Zany flavours add a twist to a classic slice. Also creative salads and shareables. A, IA, M, V Passero 774 Corydon Ave, 204-219-7300. Opens at night with carefully thoughtful offerings such as the roasted pork belly and ricotta gnocchi. WA, LP, IA, M, V Tommy’ s Pizzeria 842 Corydon Ave, 204-219-7499. Sleek interior gives an old-school, New York diner vibe with retro photographs and accents of red and blue. WA, LP, SP, A, IA, M, V Vida Cucina Italia 222 Broadway, 204-899-5721. Chef Rosanna Marziale brings pedigree and Michelin starred dishes from Campania to this crowning jewel of the Fort Garry Hotel.
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JAPANESE
Asoyama 1717 Kenaston Blvd, 204‐487‐4222. This south suburban spot bursts with options, including signature house rolls, Japanese noodles and grilled seafood. WA, LP, A, IA, M, V Blüfish 179 Bannatyne Ave, 204-779‐9888. This chic sushi spot in the center of the city draws regulars and visitors alike. Setting balances sophistication with a dose of fun. Try playful pan-seared cuttlefish with gingerlaced teriyaki sauce. LP, A, IA, M, V Cho Ichi Ramen 1151 Pembina Hwy, 204-615-8832. Building the most flavourful bowl of ramen is this restaurant’ s mission. The pork tonkotsu broth is cooked for 12 hours LP, A, IA, M, V Edokko Japanese 532 Waterloo St, 204-306-3333 Premium fish, masterful plates, daytime ramen are the hallmarks of chef Masa’ s tiny spot. Premium ingredients are sold on-site. GaiJin Izakaya 2-1575 Regent Ave W, 204-615-6868. Japanese small plates, all-day ramen and premium drinks served in a cool open concept space on the far east side of town. WA, LP, A, IA, M, V
Ichiban 189 Carlton St, 204-925‐7400. Teppanyaki-style fresh entrées are cooked with panache by talented chefs in front of groups and a sushi bar draws couples WA, LP, A, IA, M, V Naru Sushi 159 Osborne St, 204-888‐0028. The dark wood decor sets a sleek, urban mood. Try a party tray if sharing with friends. LP, SP, A, IA, M, V Saburo Kitchen 242 Hargrave St, 204-219-5295. An ever-changing menu of Asian dishes kicked up with bold flavour defines this choice spot in Hargrave Street Market. WA, LP, A, IA, M, V Wasabi 588 Broadway, 204-774-4328; 3-1360 Taylor Ave, 204‐415‐7878. New‐school sushi is taken to creative heights. Stunning rolls loaded with premium ingredients leave a lasting impression. WA, LP, SP, A, IA, M, V Yujiro 1822 Grant Ave, 204-489‐9254. Chef Edward Lam brings his stylish approach to traditional dishes and rolls. Try the delicate kaisou salad, mixed seaweed bathed in yuzu dressing. Presentation here is an elevated artform. WA, LP, IA, M, V
KOREAN
IGI BBQ & Sushi Bistro 10-1875 Pembina Hwy, 204‐477‐9909. It’ s all about table-top, do-it-yourself barbeque at this all-you-can-eat Japanese- and Korean-focused restaurant. WA, LP, A, IA, M, V Kimchi Sushi 998 Keewatin St, 204-679-1269. Hanging lights give this sushi spot sleek style. The menu offers a variety of Korean specialties. WA, LP, A, IA, M, V Kiwa 10-2077 Pembina Hwy, 204-261-3131. Whether venturing into classic dishes like bibimbap, jigaes and chicken wings topped with sweet and spicy sauce, this spot delivers on bold flavours. WA, LP, A, IA, M, V Little Korea 519 Ellice Ave, 204-783-5188. Sweet space with a contemporary vibe serves classics from South Korea. Knowledgeable servers assist new adventurers. Beef bulgogi is outstanding. WA, LP, A, IA, M, V Queen’ s Korean Chicken & BBQ 1045 St. James St, 431-556-0852. Chef Amber Lee uses a two-day process to prepare popular Korean barbeques. Enjoy meals with a bottle of soju. WA, LP, A, IA, M, V
MEXICAN
Carlos & Murphy’ s 129 Osborne St, 204-284‐3510. Serves Mexican cantina food such as taco salads, hot wings, chimichangas and heaping Carlos nachos.
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50 ciao! / dec / jan / two thousand twenty-five